Andean Adventure: A Journey from Peru to Chile

Day notes

This morning you will embark on a guided city tour of Lima’s historic downtown, beginning with a visit to the Main Plaza and the surrounding monuments: the Cathedral, built in 1534 and an architectural masterpiece; the Presidential Palace, where the soldiers guarding the palace offer an excellent photo opportunity; the Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, the Desamparados train station, and the Moorish-style houses and balconies along Lima’s old streets.

Then, you will continue to the Larco Museum (Museo Arqueolegico Rafael Larco Herrera), founded in 1926, is the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian art; with an astonishing array of gold, silver, semi-precious stones and textiles. The collection's predominant strength is in Mochica ceramics, from the north coast of Peru, of which the erotic ones are the most famous. Their notoriety ought not to obscure the fact that the museum presents a complete view of the cultural development of ancient Peru through a selection of its 45,000 pieces, housed in a colonial building of the 18th century.

Enjoy lunch at the Cafe del Museo Restaurant.

After lunch transfer back to your hotel, rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Day notes

This morning you will visit Chinchero, a small Andean Indian village located high up on the windswept plains of Anta. The village mainly comprises mud brick (adobe) houses, and locals still go about their business in traditional dress.

There are beautiful views overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the Cordillera Vilcabamba and the snow-capped peak of Salkantay dominating the western horizon. Its major atraction is its colourful market

We will then continue to Moray. The main feature that impresses is its system of circular agricultural terraces, which are up to 330 feet deep. They are build using retaining walls connected by an irrigation system. Moray can be considered a crop lab– they used the terraces to create micro-climates and grow various products.

After lunch visit Maras, the salt mines, or the famous "salt pools" The salt mines of Maras are still in use today. These days there are thousands of pools, or pocitos, with each pocito yielding around 150 kilograms of salt per month. You can visit the salt mines and explore them along narrow paths. It’s fascinating to watch locals harvest the salt, a process that hasn’t changed in thousands of years.

Day notes

This morning, for the Cusco City Tour and visit of the nearby ruins, you will meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel. Your guide will take you to the Main Square to visit the Cathedral of Cusco, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cusco; in addition to its official status as a place of worship, it has become a major repository of Cusco's colonial art, it also holds many archeological artifacts and relics.

You will then continue to Koricancha Temple, the most impressive example of how Inca and Hispanic cultures fused together. The remains of the ancient Peruvian Sun Temple were used as foundations on which the Santo Domingo church and convent was built. The temple is a symbol of Western dominance. The site is a living example of the co-existence of Peru's past with European architecture.

You will drive 15 minutes from Cusco to visit Sacsayhuaman, an imposing display of Inca architecture. There are still questions about its real purpose during the Inca period. At first, it was thought to have been a fort, but later it was considered to have been a ceremonial centre.

You will then continue to Qenqo: an immense, rocky promontory, marked by carved steps, wells, and channels. You will see Puca Puccara - or Red Fort - and Tambomachay, where the architecture of the Inca baths consists of a group of structures built with precisely cut stones. Water from nearby streams runs through the site in aquaducts and small cascades.

Afternoon will be at your leisure.

Day notes

andBeyond Vira Vira Lodge:

Get ready for a warm welcome from our dedicated staff as soon as you step foot at andBeyond Vira Vira. Along with that, prepare to have an enlightening conversation with your guide who will present you with an array of exciting excursions to choose from during your stay.

Rest assured, at Vira Vira, we go above and beyond to ensure you receive exceptional attention and care.

With numerous captivating excursions and a wide range of activities available, your experience with us will be nothing short of extraordininary:

Trekking:
The region surrounding thelodge offers a vast selectionof hiking/trekking excursions,predominantly withinHuerquehue National Parkand Villarrica National Park.In the company of one of ourexperienced guides, explorethese parks which showcaseforests, shimmering lakes,waterfalls, hot springs andthe breathtaking terrain ofsnow-capped volcanoes.
 

Ascension of Villarrica Volcano:
Measuring an impressive 2847 m(9341 ft), the Villarrica Volcan ofeatures the perfect cone shapewith an open lava pool craterat the top. From the summit,view a textured landscape ofmountains, volcanoes andcountless lakes. Mountainboots, walking poles, ice axe,crampons, helmet and trekkingbackpack will be provided.
 

Mountain Biking:
Explore the rugged landscapesof Villarrica National Park, cyclearound the tranquil VillarricaLake, and climb craggy craters atthe foot of the Villarrica Volcanoon your bike. Choose betweeneasy going, non-technicaloff-road biking and smoothflowing single track or, fortechnically skilled riders,extreme downhill adventures.
 

Bird Watching:
Exciting excursions allow birdersto visit different habitats, suchas mountains, lakes, rivers andforests to search high and lowfor iconic species in the area.At times, bird calls might leadyou to sightings of the giantmagellanic woodpecker, ringedkingfisher, chucao tapaculo,snowy egret, black-crownednight heron, plumbeous railand Andean condor, to namea few.
A walk around the lodge estate is also a must forkeen birders.
 

Horsebak Riding:
After a short, scenic 4x4 drivefrom the lodge, arrive at HuepilMalal, a horse-riding centrebordering the Cañi NaturalReserve.
Here, you will meetan authentic Chilean huaso(cowboy). His horses are typicalChilean breeds with nameslike Merken, Calafate or Canela.
You will be guided on a scenic tour through open prairiesand forests. This excursion is for all abilities, from thosewho just wish to meander toadvanced riders.
 

White-Water Rafting:
Hold on tight as you race over rapids on a thrilling white-water rafting adventure. Before setting off, there will be a safety briefing and equipment testing. This experience is ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The Trancura River offers Class 3 and 4 rapids, zigzagging through valleys and gullies. You'll encounter various runs and rapids, including the Junction, the Lioness, the Wall, and the Footbridge.
 

Floating Raft:
Indulge in a scenic river excursion, gliding along clear waters towards Villarrica Lake. This experience is best enjoyed on the afternoon of your arrival, as it requires minimal physical effort and begins on the beautiful Liucura River right in front of the lodge. Immerse yourself in nature as you witness pristine landscapes of lush rolling mountains and native forests, observing water birds and the agile movements of trout and salmon in the river below. Conclude the experience with a delightful picnic snack before returning to the lodge.
 

Catch-and-Release Fishing:
Spend a day immersed in the spectacular surroundings of &Beyond Vira Vira, accompanied only by the soothing sounds of a streaming river or lapping lake. Enjoy fly-fishing or spinner fishing, where all the necessary equipment is provided. Cast your line in front of your villa to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, or Chinook salmon, or venture out in a boat for a wider fishing experience. Our knowledgeable guide will direct you to the best spots for river and lake fishing, offering expert tips along the way.
 

Stand-Up Paddle:
Have a fantastic day splashing in the pristine waters around &Beyond Vira Vira. Begin at the lodge and paddle down the Liucura River, taking in the awe-inspiring natural surroundings of volcanoes, vibrant birds soaring through the air, and lush forests. Additionally, we can arrange stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Tinquilco for a refreshing change of scenery.
 

Kayaking or Canoeing:
Located at Lake Tinquilco in Huerquehue National Park, choose between a kayak or a canoe and embark on an hour-long adventure around the lake. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests, reach the opposite shore and take a walk along a trail to discover cascading waterfalls. For more adventurous and experienced paddlers, there are numerous options in the Pucón and Villarrica area to challenge their skills.
 

Mapuche Ruka and Weaving Tours:
Immerse yourself in another culture with a fascinating visit to Doña Rosario's ruka (house) in the local Mapuche community. Experience the embrace of traditional ways as you observe her roasting organic wheat using age-old methods and savor her delicious home-cooked dishes. Engage in a game of Palin, a traditional Mapuche stick and ball game that originated in southern Chile. Guests also have the opportunity to meet Sandra Rojos, visit her factory, and witness her skillfully working the loom.
 

Community Visit:
Explore the charming town of Curarrehue and visit a Mapuche weaver to view her traditional skills and techniques as she works with the loom. Afterwards, continue up into the Andes to the Quillelhue Lagoon, located at the foot of Lanin Volcano. Here, you will have the opportunity to see the majestic Araucaria trees (known as monkey puzzle trees), followed by lunch at a traditional Mapuche ruka (house). During your visit, learn about their unique ways of life firsthand.
 

Cheese Factory Tour:
Located on the &Beyond Vira Vira property is a cheese factory (quesería). Local cheese maker, Marisol Martinez, is renowned for her wholesome, authentic, and flavorful cheeses for the exclusive delight of our guests. The ultimate foodie delight, enjoy a tour of this delicious quesería and gain insight into the specific ways different cheeses, including Parmesan, Gruyère, Blue cheese, and Camembert, are produced.
 

Skiing & Snowboarding:
Exciting adventures await with our snowboarding and skiing activities down the active Villarrica Volcano. A variety of slopes are on offer, from beginner to more advanced ski runs. In a spectacular environment of volcanic peaks and shimmering lakes, the flowing lava has created an incredible terrain of natural half pipes, cornices, and wind lips. 
 

Snowshoeing:
Embark on a snowshoe trekking expedition through puffy snow as you carve trails around Villarrica National Park. This is an excellent way to explore untouched landscapes, with absolute silence dominating the vast expanse surrounding you. The Andes are a magical winter space between June and September, and snowshoeing is an exceptional experience created for all levels of fitness. This exciting adventure begins and ends with steaming mugs of hot chocolate. 
 

Snowmobiling:
Skiing on the active Villarrica Volcano is spectacular, but racing on a snowmobile becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Together with your driver/guide, circle the volcano, finding a virgin track on every run. This activity is designed for adventure lovers, and as the snowmobiles function similarly to motorbikes, you will have to hang on and lean in according to your driver's instructions. 
 

Wellness Treatments:
Sink into serenity in beautifully decorated massage rooms tucked away within a small forest of native trees. The harmonic sounds of endemic birds around will ensure you connect with nature and unwind into a state of deep relaxation. We invite you to treat yourself to a personalized massage.
Our receptionists will be happy to arrange a booking at your preferred time. Available at an additional cost. 
 

Yoga:
Balance your chakras and enjoy yoga sessions that harmonize body, mind, and spirit. Find your inner peace and enjoy the silence, nature, and serenity the area has to offer. The yoga instructor will come by special arrangement from Pucón, 10 km (6 mi.) away, and sessions will take place at the lodge. Please notify us if you are interested in this activity.
 

Organic Vegetable Garden Tour:
Discover the flourishing organic vegetable garden and relish sublime farm-to-table dining with fresh produce and ingredients. Walk around the colorful organic vegetable garden with a chef and pick and choose fresh produce for your next meal.
 

Forest Therapy:
Forest Therapy, or Shinrin Yoku, is the soulful practice of being in nature, which allows us to awaken our senses and reconnect with others, our natural surroundings, and ourselves. Guided by Giovanna Raineri Blanco, the session follows a standard series of "invitations" (opportunities) that bring about all elements of self-discovery.